Latch operated clutch and control



1951 l. PATRICK LATCH OPERATED CLUTCH AND CONTROL 5 Sheets-Sheet: 1

Filed June 10, 1948 Inventor Isaac Patrik Oct. 9, 1951'" .1. PATRICK 2,570,849

LATCH OPERATED CLUTCH AND CONTROL Filed me 10, I948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 9,1951 1. PATRICK LATCH OPERATED CLUTCH AND CONTROL 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 10, 1948 Inventor Isaac Patric/r Attorneys Oct. 9, 1951 l. PATRICK 2,570,849

LATCH OPERATED CLUTCH AND CONTROL 7 I Filed June 10, 1948 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 93 Isaac Patrick I. PATRICK LATCH OPERATED CLUTCH AND CONTROL Oct. 9, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 10, 1948 I Inventof Isaac Patrick 9 By W an H ' Attorneys lhlrlllll l lllllll H6 [/8 I20 I22 Patented Oct. 9, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LATCH OPERATED CLUTCH AND CONTROL Isaac Patrick, Frederick, Md, assignor to Frederick Iron & Steel, Inc., Frederick, Md., a corporation of Maryland Application June 10, 1948, Serial No. 32,177

7 Claims.

This invention comprises novel and useful improvements in a clutch and clutch control mechanism for inclinable presses, and more specifically pertains to a rolling key type of clutch for operating a press from its power source, together with manually operable means for automatically moving the key into and out of operat ing position during the operation of the press.

The principal object of this invention is to provide an improved clutch'particularly adapted for transmitting power to inclinable presses and having improved operating characteristics including exceptionally sturdy construction and long life, accompanied by ease of actuation and control.

A very important object of the invention is to provide a control mechanism for a clutch of the nature set forth in the preceding object, which is capable of easily and quickly engaging or disengaging the clutch constituting a part of the driving mechanism of a press, and where-' in the control mechanism is automatically capable of engaging the clutch selectively for a single operation of the press or for continuous operation thereof.

A still further important object of the invention is to provide a clutch and clutch control mechanism as set forth in the foregoing objects wherein the automatic mechanism may be manually adjusted during operation of the press for adapting the clutch for a single operation or for continuous operation of the press under the control of the manual operating control of the press.

An important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a rolling key type of clutch for establishing a driving engagement between the press ram and the press power shaft with a minimum of lost motion, a maximum of clutch key surface for transmitting the torque, and wherein the key may be moved into and out of operative position with a minimum of effort and delay.

A further important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a clutch control mechanism as set forth in the foregoing feature wherein resilient means are provided on one end of the key for normally biasing the key into clutch-engaging position, and wherein the release mechanism engages the key at its other extremity and is automatically actuated for disengaging the key from its drivingengagement in order to selectively condition the clutch mechanism for a single or continuous operation of the press;

A still further feature of the invention resides in the provision of a clutch control mechanism as set forth in the above mentioned features and objects of the invention wherein the power shaft of the press constituting the driven member is encircled by the hub of a flywheel constituting a driving member and wherein a rolling key is seated in a recess in one of the adjacent surfaces of the driving and driven members and isslidable and rotatable therein for radially protruding the convex surface of the key into engaging and driving relation with the other of the two members, and wherein the selective extension and retraction of the key is positively effected and automatically controlled by a highly selective automatic control mechanism.

Yet another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a clutch control mechanism conforming to the foregoing objects and features, wherein the rotation of the clutch key with its seating member is employed to effect the automatic disengagement of the key from its driving engagement in accordance with the automatic control linkage of the mechanism, and wherein there is provided an additional mechanism which is directly operable by the clutch key during rotationof the latter with its seating shaft, for causing actuation of the release mechanism once each revolution of the clutch shaft when the selector mechanism is in the one stroke position.

An additional feature of the invention resides in the provision of a clutch control mechanism, as set forth hereinbefore, wherein automatic means are provided for intermittently engaging the clutch and connecting a constantly rotating power shaft to the reciprocating ram of a press for effecting predetermined single strokes orcontinuous strokes of the ram under the control of an automatic means.

An additional and still further feature of the invention resides in the provision of a clutch control mechanism wherein manual operation of a control leveris operable for positioning and withdrawing a latch whereby the clutch key is free to rotate in its clutch engaging position;

together with a one stroke, release plunger engageable by the key during each revolution of the power shaft of the clutch for releasing the latch'to enable the latter to disengage the key after one revolution of the clutch power shaft; and further provided with selector means for rendering the one stroke mechanism inoperative -to'release the latch; and further provided with a latch hook mechanismwhich is operable by the one stroke mechanism for releasing the latch, and after such operation automatically reengages the latch upon release of the manual control lever of the press.

These, together with various ancillary features and objects of the invention which will later become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this device, the preferred embodiment of which has been illustrated, by Way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective View ofan inclinable press with which the present invention is associated;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the improved clutch key of the rolling type which is employed in the clutch mechanism of the device;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary transverse sectional detail view upon an enlarged scale substantially upon the vertical plane of the section line 3-3 of Figure 1 showing the clutch construction with the clutch key in disengaged position therein;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary transverse sectional detail view taken substantially upon the vertical plane of the section line l4 of Figure 3, the clutch being in a difierent position of adjustment, with the clutch key shown in the engaged position rather than in the disengaged position of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the clutch control mechanism, the selector device being shown in the one-stroke position of the automatic clutch control mechanism;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary detail view taken in vertical section through the clutch key and latch mechanism, showing the position of the parts when the clutch key is engaged with the latch prior to returning the clutch to its neutral or inoperative position;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional detail view taken substantially upon the plane of the section line 44 of Figure 3, but showing the position of the clutch key when the latter is in its neutral or inoperative position;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view similar to Figure 5 but showing the position of the parts when the selector mechanism is in the continuous stroke position, the clutch control treadle being depressed to permit automatic operation of the press;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 6 but illustrating the position of the clutch after the treadle has Withdrawn the latch, the clutch is engaged, and rotation of the press power shaft has started;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 7, but showing the clutch key fully engaged, the clutch parts being in the same position indicated in Figure 9 Figure 11 is a top plan view of the clutch latch plate slide forming a part of the clutch control mechanism;

Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of the latch plate slide and the latch slide of the latching mechanism;

Figure 13 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the latch mechanism;

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic top plan view-illustrating the engagement of the latch mechanism with the clutch key at the commencement of the clutch-releasing movement; and

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 but showing the clutch key in its fully released and inoperative position.

Referring now more specifically to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views,

attention is directed primarily to Figure 1 wherein there is disclosed a construction of inclinable press with which the clutch and clutch control mechanism forming the subject of this invention is particularly adapted. Construction of the inclinable press and its inclination-adjusting mechanism does not, in itself, form any part of the invention claimed in this application, being set forth more particularly and claimed in my copending application, Ser. No. 24,737, filed May 3, 1948, for Inclinable Press.

Represented generally by the numeral 10 is the body portion of the inclinable press, which body portion is pivoted, as by pins IE, to a pair of standards i4 forming a supporting base for the press, the body l0 being inclinable about the pivot pins IZin order toposition the body and its associated elements at various degrees of inclination as desired, this inclining movement being controlled and effected by an inclining mechanism designatedgenerally by the numeral 15, and whose construction and operation is set forth more par-. ticularly in my above identified application.

The body It) includesa press bed l8 adaptedto support any desired dies,. or. articles to .be operated upon by the press, and which cooperates with the press ram 28 carrying any suitable tools or articles to be worked upon, which ram is reciprocable in guideways formed in the body, l0 and is operated throughany suitable type of con-. necting means fromv the poweresupplying means of the press.

This means includes'a flywheel 22 to which power is applied, from, any suitable external source and in any suitable manner, not shown, which flywheel, as shown clearly in Figure 3, is rotatably journaled upon a shaft 24, which in turn is, suitably; journaled in the body ll] of the press and is connected, to,the press ram 29. The power shaft 24, which is hereinafter referred to as the driven shaft, is of any suitable type and construction, but ispreferably extended beyond one side of the'body; HLto rotatably receivethe flywheel 22 thereon.

As will be best seen in Figure 1', a manual clutch-operating,means, such as thetreadle 26 suitably pivoted to one of the standards [4 of the supporting base, is pivotally engaged with the clutch operatingrod 28;, whose upper end is connected with the clutch control mechanism to be set forth hereinafter, Also shownin Figure l is a selector handle liq-forv controlling and adapting the clutch mechanism for one stroke or continuous stroke operation of the press as set forth hereinaftentogether with a clutch brake mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 32, and whose construction. and operation has been fully set forth in my aboveidentifledco-pending application.

Referring now more specifically to Figures 3 and 4, it will beseen. that the flywheel 22 ispro- Vided with a. hub. portion .3'4 w hi,chis laterally enlarged and which is axially bcred;to, receive the flywheel journaling, and the clutchmechanism to be hereinaftersetforth.

The two ends ofthe bore of; the hub, 34 are enclosed by a pair of'hub platesilfizandfi 3,;resp-ectively, which are detachably secured to the hub portion 34, as by cap screws 40 or the like. It may be here notedgthat the bore-0f; the hub 34 is in'dicatedat 35 in Figured The hub cap 38 isprovided with an inwardly extending annular;fian egfl which is received within acounterbored'; chamber which constitutes an enlargement of the termination of lthe 5 bore 35. Received within the flange 42" is the outer race 46 of a roller thrust bearing assembly, the inner race 48 of which is carried by a suitable shoulder and race receiving surface of a bear- At the other side of the bearing hub, the bearing cap 36 is likewise provided with an annular, inwardly extending flange 42 which is received within a corresponding counterbore 44 in the bore 45. Similarly, an outer bearing race 48 is abutted against a shoulder 55 carried by the flange 42, and supports, as by means of a roller thrust bearing assembly 56-, the inner bearing race 48 which is abutted against a shoulder 53 carried by the bearing seat 56 which is keyed upon the end of the power shaft 24, as at 58. Retained between a shoulder on the internal surface of the bearing seat 56 is an annular cam ring 66 whose purpose will be set forth hereinafter. It will thus be seen that the hub 34 of the flywheel 22 is retained and rotatably journaled upon the end of the power shaft 24 by means of the thrust bearing assemblies, the bearing rings, the hubcap construction and the keys.

Removably but non-rotatably retained in the bore 35 is a cylindrical bushing or disk 64 constituting the female element of the clutch, and comprising a clutch contact bushing.

As will be more readily apparent from Figure 3 and 4, the power shaft 24, constituting and referred to hereinafter as the driven shaft or driven member of the clutch, is provided with a longitudinally extending, arcuately shaped recess 66 constituting a key seat for the clutch key 68 which is of the rolling and sliding type.

The member 56 is provided with a preferably integral closure partition 16 and is retained upon the end of the driven shaft 24 as by means of a tubular bolt 12 whose inner extremity is externally screw-threaded for engagement in a lubricating bore 74 in the shaft 24. The outer extremity of the tubular bolt 12 is provided with a fitting 16 by means of which grease or oil may be fed through the bolt into the passage 14 and from thence may lubricate the clutch mechanism in any desired manner.

A bore or chamber 18 is formed in the member 56, extending through the head portion 18 thereof, which chamber serves as a clutch spring chamber for. housing a ,clutch key actuating spring 86 of any suitable type or construction, and illustrated as consisting of a coil spring, one end of which is seated upon a spring seat or retainer 82 bearing against the outer extremity of the clutch key 68, while the other end of the spring abuts a suitable seat formed in a screwthreaded adjusting plug 84 extending through the outer end of the cap 16 whereby the plug may be adjusted to vary the spring pressure applied to the clutch key.

For a better understanding of the construction of the clutch key, attention is now directed to Figures 2 and 3, wherein it will be seen that the clutch key 68 is provided with a major portion 86 intermediate its ends which constitutes the driving or engaging portion of the clutch key. As illustrated, the clutch key is of circular cross section at its extremities, but at its major portion 86 is reduced or recessed to provide a con yea: surface 88, which merges with the outer or normal surface of the cylindrical clutch key to provide a pair of nose portions 96.

It may be here noted that the curvature of the external surface of the key 68 corresponds to the radius of curvature of the key seat 66, whereby the circular portion of the clutch may be journaled in and rotatable in as well as slidably disposedin the seat 66. The convex surface 88 of the major portion 86 of the key is likewise formed with the same radius of curvature as the circum ference of the driven shaft 24, whereby, when the parts are disposed in the position shown in Figures 3 and 7, the convex surface 88 forms a continuation of the periphery of the driven shaft, whereby the shaft and the key embedded therein are free to rotate without engaging the surrounding clutch driving member 64.

It is essential that the length of the convex surface 88 and of the mid portion 86 of the clutch shall be greater than the width of the clutch member 64, whereby the key may be slid longitudinally of its seat 66 through the bore of the clutch member through which the shaft 24 extends. At its outer extremity, that is, outwardly of the hub 22 and of the press body l6, the convex surface 88 of the clutch key merges, by means of a smoothly extending cam surface 92, into the unbroken, circular end portion of the key, this cam surface 92 constituting the key engaging cam surface for causing rotation of the cam in its seat as the cam is slid longitudinally in the seat 66 by a means to be later set forth.

Disposed and in appropriate angular relation with respect to the key engaging cam surface 92 is a key releasing cam surface 64 which is adapted to rotate the key into its fully recessed position in the key recess as the key is moved or slid longitudinally in the groove by the releasing mechanism to be later set forth.

The means for causing the rotation of the clutch key by means of its longitudinal sliding movement is the cam ring 66 which is rigidly secured as by a friction fit in the bearing seating sleeve 56 and in slightly spaced relation to the hub portion 64. This cam ring 66 has an axial bore which registers with the bore of the clutch member 64, and which bore is provided with rounded edges to cause smooth and easy actuation of the clutch key. As will be best seen by reference to Figure 3, as theclutch key is slid longitudinally through the cam ring 66, the cam engaging surface 92 cooperates with the rounded edges of the cam ring 66 to cause a rotation of the clutch key in the seat 66, thereby moving the clutch key nose 96 from the inoperative position shown in Figure '7 to the fully engaged position shown'in Figures 4 and 10.

In this fully engaged position, the nose is extended radially from the driven shaft 24 into snug and tight engagement in the key recesses 93, a plurality of which are formed in the inner circumference of the driving bearing member 64. It will be noted that these recesses 63 are provided with arcuately shaped walls whose curvature corresponds to that of the clutch key convex surface 88 and the circular outer surface of the clutch key.

As will readily be understood, the spring 86 constantly urges or biases the clutch key for longitudinal movement in the'recess 66, andin response to this longitudinal movement the cam surface 92 engages the camring 66 and causes the rotation of the clutch key, as set forth hereinbefore, thereby radially extending the key nose QII into the above mentioned?clutch-engagmg position. inzthechamber'ille :of the. clutch driving member 64.

Whenthe clutch key 68 isimovedlongitudinally inits' seat 66 m the reverse.-direction',.i.in opposie tionto the pressure of. the spring 80.,Jthe camree lease surface 94 of-t the clutchlkey engages the other edge of the cam ring. fih andbyimeansof the. curvature of this. cam. surface causes-.a reverse rotationof the key untilthe'latter'is 1'8.- tracted from itsradially extended; position .into the fully seated position;.. Thus; the clutch:::is selectively radially advanced or radiallyretra'cted into .engaged or. released position by meansJof: the longitudinal movement otthe. clutchkey'in its key recesssinthe driven shaft.

Attention: is now directed to; the; mechanism for causing the releasing. orzretracting movement of'the clutch key against the biasing action of the clutch spring. For this purposewhatmay be termed theinward extremity of a clutchkey is provided with an axialextending, arcuate,;.ca-m portion 93., and. with. a cut-away portion 96. These members cooperate with camming surfaces. on a latch. plate slide, in a manner tobe hereinafter set. forth, whereby: rotation of: the

driven shaft 24 and of the key 68 carried'therein,

by engagement. of the camming surface with the latch plate. slide, .causesinward; movement of the clutch key and. slides the. latter in its recess, against the oppositionof its clutch spring, as set .forth. hereinbefore.

Suitably mounted upon the body or" the press, in

:any desired manner; not shown, is a latch plate .sli'cle holder. and. guide indicated by; thernunieral .IIlo-in Figure 13.. The holder I is mounted in :alignment. with, but. below the driven shaft 24, and between the body Iil'andv the flywheel:22. Guided in this: holder for vertical sliding-11love- .ment therein is..a. latch plate slide [32, which comprises a generally rectangular block, whose .lower'end is provided with a pair of parallel bores .lll hwithin which are received coil springs I86 whose lower. extremities. abut against the bottom .surface' of the holder. I06; These springs nor- .mally urge the latchplate slide intoits uppervmost position, unless opposed in their operation :by mechanism to. be set forth hereinafter, and :are effected toposition the latch plate, slideinto position for engagement bythe camming; surface 83 on the clutch key 88.

Opening from its: lower end, the latch plate ;slide is provided with. an axially disposed guideway: I Q8,v having; alaterally enlarged guideway :surface IIil',-'.which surfaces: IG'Srand Hilslidingly receive a latch slide II2 for vertical. and. axial movement in the latch plate slide;

As will be apparent by reference. to Figures'lZ and 13, the latch slide II2'. has a: downwardly opening bore II4 therein, which. receives the latch slide spring IIS, whose. other endis :received in a socket-or-bore I I8formed. in the-base of the latch plate slide-holder I09','.in:an;extension orsocket I26 thereof.

A connecting rod I22 hasits upper extremity screw threadedly engaged, asat I24,;.in .the. bottom of the-boreII 4, and extends through the spring III; and through the boss or socketnIZil, havingan eye portion I26 at its: lower. end for engagement by a pivot pin. I28..for a purposezto be later set forth Carried by a fulcrum pin I32Jextendingsfrom the latch slide I I2 is a latch I34, having. alatch hook I36 at itsupper end,.which hook'lissengageis'.normally urged .to-its. uppermost I position, into able and removable from: overyling. .positiomwith x17 clutch key. engaging. position, by meansof the latchLpIate slide springs I06. However, the latch pl'atetslide is maintained-in retracted position", by means of the. downward .pull exerted on the latch rod I22 throughtheipivot I28, which latch rod exerts. adownward pressure upon the: latch slide 2,. overcoming-.the resistance of its spring H6, andbyreason. of the engagement of the latch finger I36 over thekeeper I38 carried by the latch. plate slide, maintains the latter in lowered position. When, .now, the downward pressure exertedby the. pivot I28 isreleased, the combined resilience. of. the springs H6 and: IE6 serves to urge. the latch plate slide Ii2and the'latch'slide H2. and. the. latch I34 stillein latching position, to the above mentioned uppermost position of the latch plateslide.

Howeven. evenv though the downward. force exerted-.onthelatch rod ..I22 by the pivot pin I28 is not released, and; the -..s1ide= H2: is still. in'its lowermost. position, it. .will be: understood that when the latch. I34 is-OSCillELIJB'd about its. pivot I32,.the latchfin'gerrwfiiwill be withdrawn,.this withdrawing movement: being permitted by means; of the. clearance in; the. enlarged. portion I40:of:;the. slot. 3.8.. When. the latch. hook. I36 is then withdrawn, even.v though. the. latch. slide .I I2: is in. its lower. position; .the 'latchplateislide springs; I06...are releasedand are permitted to elevate. the: latch platev slide" into its raised-position whereby. the. latch. plate slide is' positioned for engagement by the clutch key.

Attention. is now directed more particularly to-Eigures 5 and:8,. whereinit will be seen that the pivot pin I28 ofthe latch rod I22 is carried by one, extremity of the-latchplate slide operating lever I42,v which, intermediate its ends; is pivoted; as at I44, to any suitable part of the body I0 of the press The clutch control rod 28 is pivotally connected with the lever I42, as by a pivot pin I48, and if desired any suitable type of adjusting connection may be provided at this point. At 'its outer. extremity, beyond the fulcrum pin I44, the lever I42 is provided with a spring. .mechanism for yieldingly' urging the operating, rod-- 23, the lever I42, and the. latch rod I22 into their raised position; By means of a suitable: pivot pin or fulcrum I48 carriediby the pres body Ill; and the encircling eye. portion' I 50 of a bolt I52 which is screw threaded at its outer extremity, as at I54, and lSfDIOVidQd Withadjusting nuts" I56,.a spring E58 positioned between. said nuts and theend of the-lever. I42 serves to adjustably bias the lever to' its: raised position.

Aswill be: readily understood, whenrtheelever I42, the control rod 28, the latch rod, I22 and the latch. plate slide 102- are in their raised position, the latter-is positioned for moving the clutch key to its'released position.

As will be-readily. apparent from Figures5 and 8,..a latch spring. [60 isterminally securedtothe latch. I34 adjacent-its lower end, and-to:any suitable portion of the press body I8, for yieldingly urging the latch intoits engaging position with the keeper I38.

As so far described, it will be readily appreciated that when the treadle 28 is depressed, the control rod 28 will be lowered, the lever I42 will be moved downwardly, and the latch plate slide I82 will be withdrawn from its engagement with the end of the clutch key, thereby releasing the latter and permitting the clutch key spring 88 to slide the key longitudinally in its seat, to cause the above mentioned rotating action of the key, and radially extrude or extend the cam nose 88 of the keyinto driving engagement with the key seat 83 of the driving member 84, whereby the continuously rotating flywheel 22, and clutch driving member 64 will cause rotation of the driven shaft 24 of the press. It will be readily understood that as long as the latch plate slide is in its lowered or retracted position, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the key will remain in its engaged position, as shown in Figure 4 and 10, and the continuously rotating flywheel will continuously operate the press. If, now, the treadle is released, the spring I58 will return the slide to its upper position, thereby causing the latch plate slide to disengage the clutch key and force the latter into its inoperative position. It will also be apparent that even though the control pedal 28 is depressed and the slide is in its lowered position, operation of the latch I34 to disengage its latch hook I38 from the keeper I38 will permit the latch plate slide to again rise into clutch-releasing position.

Means are provided for automatically causing the clutch to disengage itself after one revolution of the driven shaft; and a selector means is provided for manually rendering the one revolution, clutch throwout means operative or inoperative at will. This one stroke clutch throwout mechanism includes a one stroke latch in the form of a slide plate I82 which is slidingly received in a suitable guide in a body member I 34, and is provided with springs I88 normally urging the latch I82 outwardly'of its guide bore.

This body I64 is mounted upon the press body I 8, as by fastening bolts I68, inany suitable man ner. At its outer end, the one stroke latch I82 is provided with a cam surface I 18 which is suitably curved and shaped for engagement by the clutch key 88 as the latter, during the rotation of the driven shaft 24, leaves the latch plate slide I82, the angular spacing between these two slides being of any desired magnitude, such, for example, as 90 as shown in Figures 5 and 8. Pivoted to the one stroke'latch slide I62, as by a pivot pin I12, is a trigger operating lever I14 fulcrumed, as at I18, to the body I84, which lever is pivotally connected, as at I18, at its lower extremity with a trigger block I88. The body I64 is provided with a suitable stop screw I88, which may be adjusted to /engage the lever I14, and limit the inward movement of the one stroke slide I82, to

thereby prevent the cam I18 thereof from rubbing against the surface of the driven shaft 24, while properly positioning the cam for easy enagement by the clutch key 88.

A trigger pin I82 is adjustably screw threaded into and carried by the trigger block I88, and is maintained in adjusted relation with respect thereto, as by a lock nut I84. This trigger. pin ext-ends laterally from the trigger block I88, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, into a position adjacent to the latch I34, whereby, when the slide I82 is operated by the clutch key when the latter is in the positionshown in Figure 5,- the slide will be moved inward, the lever I14-will be oscillated, and the trigger body I88 and the trigger pin I82 carried thereby will be forced against the lower end of the latch I34, causing pivoting movement of the latter about its pivot pin- I32, and releas- 7 ing the hook I38 from the keeper I38, to thereby permit the latch plate slide I82 to be raised to clutch-release position, by means of its springs I88.

However, it will be readily understood that when the trigger body I88 is pivoted about its I pivot pin I18 from the position shown in Figure 5 to that shown in Figure 8, the resultant movement of the trigger pin by the one stroke latch slide I82 will be ineffective to contact the latch and release the latter. Accordingly, when in the position shown in Figure 8, the latch will still engage the retainer I38 and thereby will hold the latch plate slide in its retracted position whereby the driven shaft may continue to be operated by the clutch and the press will continuously operate, until such time as the treadle and control rod 28 are released, or the trigger block I88 is returned to the position shown in Figure 5.

In order to selectively control the trigger block to position the trigger for the single stroke operation shown in Figure 5, or the continuous operation of the clutch as shown in Figure 8, the above mentioned handle 38 is provided which is rigidly attached to the block I88, and serves as a means to pivot the same. In order to enable the handle and the block to be retained in the desired position, a pair offianged supports I86 and I88 are provided and carried by the body I88 for selectively receiving the selector handle 38 in the one stroke or the continuous stroke positions respectively.

It should be particularly noted that by manipulating the handle 38 and positioning the same upon the appropriate support I88 or I88, the device may be selectively positioned, during operation of the press, for adapting the control mechanism to one stroke or continuous stroke operation.

Adjustably positioned in a lug on the trig er block l88 is an adjusting screw I98 which is adapted to limit the downward pivotal movement of the handle 38 and of the trigger block I88 about the pivot pin I18, this screw being engage-- able with the lever I14 after a predetermined downward movement of the block and handle.

It is further to be noted that the selector handle 38 and the block I88 are preferably connected to the lever I14 by a swivelling type of pivot I18, whereby the handle 38 and block I88 may have a slight lateral movement to enable the handle'to be engaged over or removed from the flanges of the supports I88 and I88. Of course, as the lever I14 is oscillated, the block I88 and the handle 38 are reciprocated, which reciprocatory movement is permitted by the sliding engagement of the handle upon the supports. When, however, the handle 38 is positioned on support I88, see Figure 8, thelever I14 is moved in a clockwise direction and is held rigidly in position, this holding the cam I18 clear of the clutch pin 38, so that there is no movement of any of the parts I18, I82, I12, I14, I88, I82 and 38.

Reference is now made specifically to Figures 11-15, and in addition to Figures 6 and 9 for an explanation of the engaging cam surfaces of the latch slide plate and the clutch key. Integrally or otherwise carried by the upper portion of the latchslide-plate -I02 is a cam head I92. "The upper surface of this camhead is arcuate, to provide clearance for the driven shaft 24, and its lateral surface adjacent the clutch key is provided with a 'tapering'cam surface I34. This surface is adapted to register with the cam surface on the cam'member 98 at the end of the clutch key 68. Accordinglymihen'thelatchplate 102 is in its raised position; and the driven shaft 24 with the clutch key 68 in its engaged position is rotating, the cam extension 98 on the key engages the outer portion of the arcuatecam-surface 1-94, and in moving thereover is forced inwardly and rotated in its key seat 66, until at or prior to the termination of the travel of the key on the cam surface I94, the 'key is in its completely recessed or inoperative position.

From the foregoing, it is believed thatthe operation ofthe clutch controlling mechanism willbe readily understood. With the press in its idle position, in order'to operate the same, the flywheel 22 is first set in motion from-any suitable power source, and'this flywheel is intended to continue operating, withits huband the clutch member '64 thereinconstituting the clutch driving member, which is operatively placed indriv- 'ing engagement with the clutch .drivenmember, the shaftz l, by means of the clutch key. With the flywheel rotating, the treadle '26 is depressed, thereby .causing the latchplate H2 to be retracted which, through the latch I34 and keeper 138, causes the withdrawal of "the latch plate slide from the position shown in Figure 13, which is the 'idle position of the clutch mechanism, to the position shown in Figure -8. 'At this time, regardless of the position. of the selector handle 30, whether positioned for singlestroke or continuous stroke o eration, the cam asurface I94 has now been withdrawn from the cam surface 98 of the clutch .key 68,whereby the :latter is now slid longitudinally in'theseat-GB "by the action of the spring 80. As hereinbefore pointed out, this sliding movementcauses thekey to rotate, thereby establishing a driving "engagement between the drivingand driven members,whereupon the shaft 24 is placed in rotation, this rotation, of course, operating: the press. Afterabouta quarter of a revolution of this-shaft 24, the parts have moved from the position shownin Figure 13 to the position shown'in Figure 8, at which time the clutch key engages the-cam surface I on the single stroke latch plate ISL-thereby depressing the latter against its springs I66, causing reciprocation of the lever I14 and causing actuation'of thetrigger pin I82. If the trigger pin is in the :position'shown in -Figure8, as for continuous stroke operation of thepress, the trigger is ineffective, the latch I34 is notreleased thereby, the latch slide plate I02 therefore remains retracted, and the clutch remainsengaged and the press continues operating for as long as the treadle 26 is depressed. If, however, the selector handle is in the positionshow-n in Figure 5, the trigger, instead of being inefiective, now engages the latch I34, and as set forth hereinbe- FfOIG, releases the latch permitting the latch plate slide springs to elevate thelatch and position the latter in its uppermost .position, whereupon the camsurface I94.is.again'disposed in the path of travel of the camsurface 98 of the clutch key. .Whenthe clutch key and the shaft 24 complete ,theirrevolution, theclutch is again rendered in- ..operative, as set'forth hereinbefore.

"With the press operating in the continuous -stroke position of the selector, it is merely necessary to raise the selector handle tothe onestroke position, which may 'be 'donawhile the press is in operation, after which, upon the next engagement of the clutch key with the cam 110 of the one stroke latch, the trigger is'rendered effective to release the latch, whereupon, 'upon the completion ofthat-revOlution, the cam surfaces 98 and I94 cause'the clutch to be disengaged.

With the press operating in the one stroke position, after the one stroke 'latchhas operated the trigger to disengage the clutch-and the clutch is released, it is merely necessary to release the treadle, whereupon the'spring' I'58 will serve to raise the rod 28, the lever I42, the latch rod I22, the latch slide II2, and the "latch I34, until the latchhook I36 is again-snapped over the retainer I38 by means of the spring 160. The treadle may then be'depressed, the latch withdrawn, and the press will again operate for one stroke,

Although thekey has been shown as mounted in the power shaft with the clutchdriving member in'the flywheel, :it will be readily apparent that this arrangement maybe reversed if desired.

From the foregoing, the manner of operating the device, its construction and manifest advantages w'illbe readily understood, and further explanation 'isibelieved to 'be unnecessary. However, sincenumerous'modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings, it 'isinot desired to limit the inventionto the exact construction shown and described, but all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

Having disclosed "and-described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In an inclinable press, a clutch comprising rotatable driving and drivenmembers, a clutch key carried-by oneof said-members and movable into" driving engagement with" the otherrnember, ,actuating means'for moving said key into driving 'engagemenu'release m'eans'for moving said keyinto inoperative position, said release means including a cam having a cut-away portion in cooperation with a latch plate'slidewhereby rotation of'said driven memberan'd of said clutch key'by engagement of said'cam with the latch plate slide cause movement of the clutch key and slides'said clutch key out of driving engagement, manually operable selectormeans for conditioning said release means for selective single or continuous rotation of thedriven member and clutch control "means for selectively rendering said actuating and release means operable and .in operable.

2. The "combination of claim 1 wherein said cam means includes a first *cam'surface on said 'key, a latch and a second cam surface on said latch, said cam surfaces being engageable to cause longitudinal movement of said key.

3.'The combination of claim 2 including a manually operable means for selectively moving said latch and said first cam surface into and out of position for engagement by said second cam surface.

4. A clutch control mechanism for an inclinable press having a power shaft and a relatively rotatable driving member coaxial with said shaft, comprising a female clutch member fixed to said driving member, a key recess in said one of said members, a clutch key in said recess retractible into and extensible beyond the circumference of said shaft for respectively releasing and establishing a driving engagement with said female member, means for moving said key longitudinal- 13 ly of said recess, said means comprising a resilient spring member for yieldingly urging said key towards one end of its longitudinal movement, and cam means positively moving said key against the opposition of said resilient spring member, said cam means forming the engaging surface of a latch plate slide, said slide being carried by a latch plate slide holder, said holder being mounted in alignment with and below said shaft, said slide comprising a substantially rectangular block, the lower end of said slide being provided with a pair of parallel apertures, a pair of resilient members received in said apertures and abuting against the bottom inner surface of said holder and adapted to urge said slide into its uppermost position, said slide also having a downwardly centrally located threaded aperture, said holder having an apertured socket in alignment with said central aperture in said slide, a latch slide spring received in said socket and extending into said central aperture in said slide, said slide carrying both a latch having a hooked end and a laterally extending" lug, said hooked end being engageable and removable from an overlying position with respect to said lug, a connecting rod in threaded attachment with said central aperture and extending through said apertured socket and secured to manually operable means for actuating said connecting rod to selectively move the cam surface on said slide into and out of position for engagement with the cam surface on said clutch key, and further means for causing retraction and extension of said key in response to longitudinal movement.

5. The structure of claim 4 including trigger means for selectively setting the press for single or continuous operation.

6. The structure of claim 5 wherein said clutch key comprises a recessed portion intermediate its cylindrical ends which constitutes the driving portion of said clutch key, said recessed portion being formed by a concave surface merging with the otherwise cylindrical surface of the clutch ke tv 191 a pa r nose r i qns, the rad us of said convex surface being determined by the center of rotation of said power shaft.

'7. In a clutch control mechanism for an inclinable press, means for longitudinally moving a clutch key, said means comprising a cam surface on a latch plate slide adapted to engage another cam surface on the clutch key, said slide being carried by a latch plate slide holder, said holder being mounted in alignment with and below said shaft, said slide comprising a substantially rectangular block, the lower end of said slide being provided with a pair of parallel apertures, a pair of resilient members received in said apertures and abutting against the bottom inner surface of said holder and adapted to urge said slide into its uppermost position, said slide also having a downwardly centrally located threaded aperture, said holder having an apertured socket in alignment with said central aperture in said slide, a latch slide spring received in said socket and extending into said central aperture in said slide, said slide carrying both a latch having a hooked end and laterally extending lug, said hooked end being engageable and removable from overlying position with respect to said lug, a connecting rod in threaded attachment with said central aperture and extending through said apertured socket and secured to manually operable means for actuating said connecting rod to selectively move the cam surface on said slide into and out of position for engagement with the cam surfaces on said clutch key.

ISAAC PATRICK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

